HB 920 has been keeping school districts' funding at 1976 levels for decades

I totally understand why a concerned citizen addressed school funding in his April 7 letter to the editor.

It would appear that, like many Ohioans, the gentleman has either forgotten about the Ohio State House Bill 920 passed in 1976 or is unaware of it. That legislation began the demise of the Ohio education system and created the funding problems now experienced by Ohio schools.

It is important for Ohio citizens to realize the impact this bill has had on their schools.

HB 920 continually freezes the income of Ohio schools to the level they received 37 years ago. No matter how much taxes would rise after 1976, the amount the schools received stayed fixed at the 1976 level.

The concerned citizen wrote: "... they already receive more than enough tax dollars to pay their bills and provide teachers and employees with generous salaries and benefits." He is incorrect.

To those of you that were employed in 1976, check your records to confirm your income at that time. Then, imagine yourself or a business trying to survive in 2013 with the income earned in 1976. It would be nearly impossible. Schools can't do it either.

Everything has risen in cost while school district incomes remain at the 1976 level. Yes, your taxes go up, but that increase is not given to the schools. It goes to other government agencies.

The gentleman wrote: "I believe that, if we could force them to live on a fixed income ..." Unfortunately for Ohio, as mentioned, that has already been accomplished by our legislators. School districts are trying to survive annually on the same fixed income they received in 1976. Ohio State House Bill 920 has forced school districts to ask local residents for more funds just to keep up with the rate of inflationary costs. When the population votes no on a levy, the local education system suffers.

School expenses have greatly increased. In 1976 school books that were priced in the $5 to $8 range are now more than $120 each. Imagine the impact on a district budget to purchase up-to-date textbooks. I wish Ohioans could visit schools in states that understand the importance of education and fund their schools. What a difference! In my opinion, children in Muskingum County and Ohio are educationally disadvantaged from birth.

Wake up, Ohioans. Learn your history. Our schools are existing at the level of income they received 37 years ago in 1976. No wonder the school districts need our help. When a school levy is on the ballot, unless or until HB 920 is rescinded, please vote yes.

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HB 920 has been keeping school districts' funding at 1976 levels for decades

I totally understand why a concerned citizen addressed school funding in his April 7 letter to the editor.